Who can resist kittens and puppies? No one hopes the nonprofit, no-kill pet rescue organization, Pic-a-Pal. Its recently published 2003 Date Book and Calendar, laden with large photos of your neighbors and their pets, was recently released to serve as the organization’s newest fundraising effort.
The Date Book features an Andy-Warhol-like silver cover with blocks of pet photos, designed by pet portrait artist Rebecca Collins. Inside pages include large, two-color portraits of pets with their names, their owner’s names and special quotes. Neighborhood residents purchased space for their pet photos.
Pic-a-Pal spokesperson Vikki Honkala explains, “We hope to make this an annual thing. People will pay to include a photo of their pets, and in return will receive a copy of the Date Book. Already we have a lot of really wonderful supporters.”
Established two years ago, the Pic-a-Pal organization visits local shelters and collects pets that would otherwise be put to sleep. The all-volunteer group puts pets in foster homes and hosts weekly adoptions at PetSmart, Saturdays from noon-5 p.m.
“Our whole mission is to find homes for animals that are going to be euthanized,” says Honkala. “And we’re pretty selective when we adopt out the pets. We try to make sure the animals are going to be safe and part of the family.”
Proceeds from Date Book sales will help offset veterinarian bills, food, supplies and overhead. Although there is a small adoption fee, the money barely covers the cost of the animals.
“Our vet bills are our biggest expense,” says Honkala. “Our expenses run between $7,000 and $8,000 per month. We’re hoping that the Date Book will be a huge help in raising those funds.”
Honkala also hopes to increase interest in the weekly pet adoptions. “Pet adoptions are down now, which can get frustrating. We get a lot of pure breeds, which people don’t realize.” She adds, “We can do adoptions on our website. We do so much of our business online.”
Additionally, Pic-a-Pal always needs volunteers to help with foster care, adoptions and pet supply donations. Any donated items such as pet food or toys may be dropped off at the weekly adoptions.
For information about the Date Book, pet adoptions, or volunteer opportunities, visit www.pic-a-pal.org, or call 214-342-8889. Sales of pages for next year’s calendar will begin in the spring. The Date Book is available for $25 at Borders, Nixon’s Top Dog, Write Selection, and
